'Creativity allows you to thrive in an ever-changing world and unlocks a universe of possibilities,' Seelig says. / Jon Feingersh/Getty Images

Written by

McKenna Grant

Many of us believe that we’re either born with creativity or we’re not, and that this “gift” cannot be taught or fostered. Tina Seelig, author of inGENIUS: A Crash Course on Creativity, and award-winning educator at Stanford University, says that’s wrong: Creativity can be easily taught and learned. Find out how to ignite yours and start embracing challenges and creating new ideas.

Use metaphors and analogies. Connect unfamiliar pairs. “By comparing one thing with another, you uncover fascinating parallels that open up a world of new ideas,” Seelig says. “Connecting unexpected people, places, objects and ideas provides a huge boost to your imagination.”

Give yourself creative space. “Creative spaces lead to creative work. Pixar, the company behind mind-bendingly creative movies such as Toy Story and Finding Nemo, provides a terrific example,” Seelig says. “If you want to be creative, you need to build physical habitats that unlock your imagination.”

Work with a group. It’ll help you gain insight from others. “You need a group composed of individuals who bring different perspectives to the table, who respect different working styles, and who resolve conflicts along the way,” Seelig says. “Great teams also have a healthy dose of playfulness.”